BV 


.  S  JO 

1916 


JAN  2  :;   1954 


Saved  to  Serve" 


An  Inner  Mission  Vision 

-  of  the 

Ideal   Congregation    with 

Practical  Hints         :       : 


■r'Tf 


INHtK    MISSION 


Copyrighted    by 

THE    INNEK   MISSION  BOARD 

of  the 

GENERAL   SYNOD 

EVANGELICAL   LUTHERAN    CHURCH 

in  the  United  States  of  America. 


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^  What  is  Inner  Mission? 

^  Its  Ideal  in  Your  Congregation. 

^  The  Machinery  Needed. 

^  A  Few  Full  Examples  of  Service. 

^  Many  Mere  Hints. 


LIBRARY  OF  PRINCETON 


THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY 


FOREWORD. 

1 .  This  booklet  is  suggestive  in  one  direction  of 
Inner  Mission  development,  although  it  is  the  most 
important   one — namely,   congregational   development. 

2.  It  is  not  expected  that  any  suggestions  herein 
are  to  be  mechanically  imitated.  Individual  and  con- 
gregational lives  will  be  hindered  in  their  best  Chris- 
tian grovsi;h  through  mere  imitation  of  one  another. 
The  hope  of  the  booklet  is  to  reveal  practically  the 
Inner  Mission  idea,  and  to  inspire  devotion  thereto. 
May  every  congregation  work  out  that  idea,  under  the 
Holy  Spirit,  in  its  own  life.  There  are  literally  hun- 
dreds of  practical  forms  of  service  which  prayerful, 
loving  thought  can  devise  differently  in  each  congre- 
gation.    It  is  to  be  "all  for  Jesus'  sake." 


Address  all  communications  to 

REV.    WM.  FREAS 

Gen.  Secretary 
1053     TRINITY  AVENUE,  NEW  YORK  CITY 


Copyrighted,  1916 

THE     INNER    MISSION     BOARD 

of  the 

GENERAL  SYNOD 

of  the 

EVANGELICAL  LUTHERAN  CHURCH 
in  the  United  States  of  America. 


I.     WHAT  IS  INNER  MISSION? 

Those  who  know  something  about  Inner  Mission, 
generally  conceive  it  to  involve  chiefly  the  planting  of 
many  forms  of  INSTITUTIONS  (Hospitals. 
Homes,  Hospices,  etc.)  of  helpfulness  in  Jesus' 
Name.  That  is,  however,  a  secondary  matter  to  In- 
ner Mission. 

The  primary  idea  is  the  aim  TO  REALIZE  A 
WONDERFUL  VISION  OF  THE  CHRIS- 
TIAN CHURCH — one  which  the  present  age  can 
well  understand.  It  is  a  true  vision  of  what  the 
Church  must  be. 

The  idea  of  Inner  Mission,  even  as  first  proclaimed 
by  Wichern,  is  to  realize  the  universal  priesthood  of 
all  believers — to  re-establish  the  primitive  ideal  of 
Christianity,  in  that 

LOVING  SERVICE  TO  A  NEEDY  WORLD 
BECOMES   IHE  MANIFEST  SIGN.  WHER- 
EVER THERE  IS  A  CHRISTIAN— 

to  have  the  Church  (the  ENTIRE  Church,  mark  it) 
prove  her  faith  by  her  saving  love.  It  is  thus  the  idea 
of  Inner  Mission  to  put  the  entire  so-called  "laity" 
into  the  Samaritan  attitude  of  vital,  PERSONAL 
touch  with  need.  THE  PRIME  AIM  MUST, 
THEREFORE.  ALWAYS  BE  CONGREGA- 
TIONAL DEVELOPMENT. 


The  unused,  flabby  strength  of  members  is  to  be 
developed,  and  the  way  of  effectual  service  prepared 
for  them.  TTiere  must  be  an  increased  force  of  real 
Christian  ministry  in  every  congregation.  Inner  Mis- 
sion's ideal  is  to  have  the  entire  live  and  conscious 
Church  in  service.  It  emphasizes  the  constantly  for- 
gotten, despised  fact  that  it  is  THE  CHURCH 
(not  just  pastors  and  deaconesses)  to  which  is  given 
the  commission  of  carrying  out  Christ's  work  upon 
earth.  Congregations  must  more  largely  gain  the 
idea  of  personal,  loving  service  of  men  for  Jesus' 
sake.  Inner  Mission  is  the  Church's  endeavor  to 
make  real  to-day,  what  Christ  was  in  His  day — a  per- 
son going  about  "doing  good";  it  is  the  Christ  of 
"yesterday  and  to-day",  going  about  in  the  person  of 
His  members,  applying  the  balm  of  Gilead  to  the 
world's  open  sore,  whether  mental,  moral,  physical, 
or  social — and  always,  as  with  Christ,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  reaching  the  depth  of  the  wound, — SIN. 


2.     ITS   IDEAL  IN   YOUR  CONGREGA- 
TION. 

Practically  all  Christian  Churches  lack  a  virile 
conception  that  every  Christian  is  saved  to  serve.  "A 
faithful  fewf"  do  all  the  w^ork.  Are  we  to  settle 
down  to  an  acceptance  of  that  situation?  In  those 
congregations  which  have  been  famous  for  their 
achievements,  that  is  the  very  thing  which  has  FIRST 
been  overcome.  The  pastor  who  realizes  the  incal- 
culable loss  his  congregation  and  each  member  thereof 
suffer  through  this  lack,  who  becomes  inspired  by  the 
Inner  Mission  vision  of  individual  service,  and  who 
urges  this  to  fruition,  will  embark  upon  a  new  era  of 
usefulness  and  joy. 

Pastors  know,  at  least  in  part,  what  Christian  work 
is  waiting  to  be  done  in  their  congregations,  and  in 
the  world's  life  all  around  the  Church  door.  Many 
know  also  that  personal  love,  for  Jesus'  sake,  is  the 
one  agency  which  can  do  the  work.  Not  all  pastors 
know  that  the  workers  are  also  waiting  WITHIN 
THEIR  CONGREGATION,  with  the  love  in  their 
hearts — waiting  to  be  shown  the  work. 

It  is  thus  to  be  recognized  that  Inner  Mission  is 
nothing  new.  To  a  greater  or  less  extent,  it  already 
exists  in  all  congregations.  It  is  Christianity  prac- 
tically applied.  It  is  any  service  done  by  a  Christian 
because  he  is  a  Christian. 


The  ideal  is  however,  that  every  member  of  a  con- 
gregation shall  be  in  loving  service.  That  means 
two  things.  It  means,  in  the  first  place,  that  each 
individual  shall  be  led  to  give  himself  to  the  doing  of 
at  least  one  definite,  worthy,  regular  task  in  the  con- 
gregation's work.  It  surely  means,  in  the  second 
place,  that  each  Christian  shall  go  out  in  daily  life 
with  the  consciousness  of  being  Christ's  servant;  he 
must  have  the  love  that  goes  about  doing  good,  all 
kinds  of  good,  material  and  spiritual;  he  must  help 
individuals  and  groups  with  their  social  and  economic 
problems,  by  practical  assistance,  as  well  as  spiritual 
advice ;  he  must  be,  as  it  were,  a  Christian  pastor  in 
the  shop,  the  labor  union,  the  social  club,  the  farm, 
etc. ;  thus  the  truth  would  grow  clearer  everywhere 
that  "the  Most  High  dwelleth  not  in  temples  made 
with  hands,"  but  that  "YE  are  the  temple  of  God." 


3.     THE  MACHINERY  NEEDED. 

Little  machinery  is  necessary.  Take  the  congre- 
gation as  it  is.  No  need  to  REform  it.  IN  form  it, 
and  it  will  become  TRANSformed.  The  following 
suggestions  may  help  in  the  process. 

(I.)  AGITATE  the  subject  lovingly,  persist- 
ently. Preach  sermons  upon  Inner  Mission,  and  use 
its  purposes  in  the  application  of  many  sermons. 
Gain  information  by  securing  through  our  Publication 
Society,  Pfeiffer's  "Mission  Studies"  and  Ohl's  "TTie 
Inner  Mission."  The  single  chapter  in  the  former  is 
most  illuminating  on  right  principles.  The  latter  is  a 
complete  study. 

Loan  those  books  and  copies  of  this  pamphlet, 
(secured  from  the  Inner  Mission  Board  free  of 
charge)  to  picked  individuals. 

If  a  member  of  the  Inner  Mission  Board  is  near, 
secure  him  for  a  talk  to  your  people. 

If  the  Deaconess  Board  has  a  Deaconess  near, 
secure  her  for  that  purpose;  write  to  the  Mother- 
house  (2500  West  North  Av.,  Baltimore)  for  such 
arrangement.  A  deaconess  is  truly  a  director  of  Inner 
Mission  activity.  She  can  speak  upon  this  topic  as 
well  as  upon  her  specific  work. 

If  there  is  a  City  or  Synodical  Inner  Mission  So- 
ciety near,  secure  its  representative  to  enlighten  others. 
Where  such  a  society  exists  or  is  to  be  organized,  in- 


fluence  it  so  that,  in  addition  to  the  institutional  side 
of  Inner  Mission  work,  it  will  promote  the  primary, 
congregational  side. 

(2.)  AN  INNER  MISSION  COMMIT- 
TEE— the  only  machine  needed.  An  additional  so- 
ciety destroys  the  idea  that  the  Inner  Mission  spirit  is 
essential  in  the  ENTIRE  congregation.  Form  a 
committee  of  picked  individuals  who  love  the  work: 
the  entire  Church  Council,  or  part  thereof;  or  one 
individual  from  each  society ;  or  a  freely  chosen  circle. 
Educate  and  inspire  them. 

This  Committee  becomes,  as  it  were,  a  bureau  of 
Christian  employment.  They  must  study  the  congre- 
gation, its  individuals  and  groups;  study  and  pray, 
that  they  may  have  lines  of  Christian  work  to  suggest 
to  all.  The  Pastor  cannot  find  individual  Christian 
work  for  each  member.  It  would  take  his  entire  time. 
He  must  cease,  in  this  as  in  all  things,  trying  to  do 
everything  himself  (a  course  in  which  the  people  are 
very  willing  to  encourage  him). 

The  Committee  might  conduct  an  every-member 
canvass  for  doing  deeds  of  kindness.  Results  cannot 
be  expected  in  a  hurry.  Patient  effort  is  needed  with 
every  individual.  The  idea  will  spread.  Each  one 
gained  for  the  spirit  of  service  is  a  gain  indeed. 

The  Committee  may  find  guidance  for  work  from 
the  examples  in  this  pamphlet.  We  present  ways  of 
service  which  HAVE  BEEN  TRIED.     A  society 

10 


or  group  or  class  may  be  induced  to  take  up  some 
special  example,  (even  though  not  grouped  under 
that  society's  heading).  The  Inner  Mission  Board 
will  furnish  details  concerning  any  item.  Your  spe- 
cial opportunities  will  reveal  much  unmentioned  here- 
in ;  give  the  Board  the  benefit  of  your  experience. 

(3).  COMMITTEE  LEADERS.  The  com- 
mittee will  need  one  or  more  of  these.  Find  such  in 
your  congregation  through  prayerful  thought  and  in- 
terview. Lay  hands  upon  them.  Their  consecrated 
wisdom  and  enthusiasm  will  be  ENTIRELY  SUF- 
FICIENT for  leadership.  They  will  soon  come  to 
shoulder  many  a  pastor's  burdens,  as  they  catch  the 
Inner  Mission  vision. 

(If  it  is  desired  and  possible  to  have  a  trained  leader, 
our  Deaconess  Motherhouse  at  Baltimore  gives  a  one- 
year  practical  course  to  any  woman.  The  cost,  in- 
cluding home  and  board  in  the  Motherhouse,  is 
merely  $125.  Perhaps  the  congregation  can  arrange 
for  this.  The  day  is  coming  when  we  shall  have 
arrangements  to  train  men  similarly.) 

If  the  congregation  can  arrange  to  have  a  deac- 
oness, she  is  especially  trained  to  be  a  leader  in  Inner 
Mission  work.  Her  purpose  among  the  people  is,  not 
to  do  their  work,  but  to  guide  them  in  doing  it. 


11 


4.— A  FEW  FULL  EXAMPLES  OF 
SERVICE. 

Letters  to  Baptized  Children. 

Baptized  children  are  members  of  the  Church,  and 
stand  in  a  most  tender  and  vital  relation  to  the  congre- 
gation. It  is  the  duty  of  the  Church  to  see  to  it  that 
the  vows  are  not  forgotten.  Have  a  carefully  pre- 
pared set  of  letters  to  be  written  to  each  child  on  the 
Baptismal  Roll,  upon  each  of  the  child's  first  five 
birthdays.  TTie  letters  for  the  various  anniversaries 
should  be  suitable  to  the  birthday  at  the  time.  (The 
Inner  Mission  Board  will  gladly  send  model  letters). 
They  should  not  be  type-written  nor  printed  post- 
cards. They  should  express  personality  and  personal 
interest.  This  will  remind  parents  of  their  Christian 
duty,  and  the  child  will  grow  into  the  Sunday  School 
and  Christian  nurture.  Parents  love  their  children. 
Christian  thoughtfulness  for  parents  makes  parents 
thoughtful,  and  hallows  their  love  for  their  children. 
Let  a  member  or  several  members,  as  need  be,  have 
copies  of  the  baptismal  records,  with  the  dates  of 
births  properly  copied,  as  a  basis  for  this  work,  which 
such  member  or  members  will  do.  The  letters  should 
bear,  as  signature,  the  name  of  the  congregation. 

"The  Message  for  the  Day." 

In  every  community  there  are  "Shut-Ins"  and 
"Shut-Outs."  The  former  are  known  to  include  the 
sick,  disabled,  aged,  etc.  There  are  many  others, 
however,  who  are  practically  "shut-out"  from  attend- 

12 


ance  at  public  worship  by  their  occupation  and  other 
causes:  railroad  employees,  hotel  and  restaurant  em- 
ployees, domestic  servants,  elevator  men,  physicians, 
policemen,  firemen,  watchmen,  etc.,  etc.  There  are 
more  than  we  know.  Both  classes  should  be  reached 
by  the  Church's  message.  We  must  care  for  them. 
Our  Publication  Society  issues  a  leaflet  with  the  above 
title  for  every  Sunday  of  the  year.  It  contains  a  brief 
form  of  quiet  worship  for  the  individual,  and  a  Ser- 
monette.  Send  for  samples.  Per  copy,  20  cents  a 
year.  (Other  tracts  may  be  used,  but  these  are  espe- 
cially appropriate  for  the  two  classes.  They  are 
similar  to  those  distributed  in  hundreds  of  thousands 
by  Inner  Mission  efforts  in  Germany).  Let  a  few 
individuals  or  a  group  (with  a  chairman)  in  the  con- 
gregation, search  out  all  such  individuals.  Provide 
also  in  some  way  for  subscriptions  to  the  required 
number,  and  see  that  a  copy  is  PERSONALLY  de- 
livered to  all.  Personal  delivery  is  important,  open- 
ing the  way  for  larger  opportunities  of  service.  The 
distributors  are  also  blessed.  Often  the  recipients 
will  gladly  pay  a  cent  for  each  copy.  Publish  the 
fact  of  the  distribution,  and  let  every  member  who 
loves  his  fellowmen  sufficiently  to  realize  that  he 
knows  such  an  individual,  secure  from  the  chairman 
each  Sunday  his  or  her  copy  for  delivery.  Only  the 
Lord  knows  what  the  harvest  will  be.  His  Word 
is  sown,  and  the  harvest  is  sure. 


13 


Associate  Sunday  School  Worffers. 

In  every  parish  there  are  those  who  cannot  take 
regular  part  in  the  Sunday  School  work.  Let  your 
Inner  Mission  Committee  seek  such  persons  in  each 
section  of  the  parish,  who  will  definitely  give  them- 
selves to  observe  children  who  do  not  attend  Sunday 
School.  Have  them  visit,  invite,  persuade  all  such 
children  and  their  parents.  This  will  increase  the 
interest  of  the  congregation  in  the  school.  It  will 
also  open  the  way  for  larger  service  by  the  visitors 
to  those  homes. 

Care  of  Confirmed  Classes. 

Organize  each  class  of  catechumens  with  elected 
officers,  or  let  a  boy  and  girl,  young  man  and  young 
woman  (as  the  case  may  be),  be  appointed,  who 
after  confirmation  will  keep  up  a  personal  interest  in 
the  members.  These  appointees  can  keep  trace  of  all 
members;  visit  them,  write  to  them,  have  things  in 
readiness  for  invitations  to  social  occasions,  for  days 
to  attend  services  in  a  body,  for  weddings  or  funerals 
of  members  of  the  class,  etc.  They  will  become 
steady  pastor's  assistants  in  the  care  of  the  classes  for 
years  after.  This  need  not  conflict  with  any  organ- 
izations for  holding  together  the  young,  but  may 
parallel  or  supplement  them.  It  is  a  matter  between 
the  class  and  those  appointed.  Above  all,  the  inter- 
est should  be  personal,  and  not  organizational. 

14 


Attention  to  the  Sick' 

Cultivate  this  idea  broadcast  in  the  congregation 
and  in  its  societies.  Secure  also  individuals  and 
groups,  especially  fitted  and  inclined,  vk^ho  will  be 
ready  for  assignments  in  such  w^ork.  Sometimes  a 
pastor's  visit  will  thus  be  unnecessary;  always  his 
visit  can  be  followed  up  effectually.  Christ  mentions 
this  service  as  one  to  which  He  will  refer  in  the  last 
great  Day.  The  Christian  disciple  should  not  rele- 
gate it  officially  to  his  pastor,  and  so  forego  it.  TTie 
human  heart  craves  sympathy  in  the  time  of  sickness. 
Let  there  always  be  Christians  who  will  give  it,  who 
will  find  a  way  to  evidence  it  for  Jesus'  sake.  Many 
forms  of  usefulness  come  under  this  heading;  a  num- 
ber of  them  will  be  found  in  this  booklet.  The  man- 
ner of  working  may  be  somewhat  different  in  different 
communities.  Though  differing,  the  idea  of  helpful- 
ness and  comfort,  in  one  form  or  another,  should  be 
maintained.  Instruct  assigned  ones  as  to  care  and 
tact,  as  to  heeding  physicians'  advice,  as  to  observing 
suitable  times  for  visits,  as  to  making  them  short,  as 
to  being  cheerful,  as  to  expressing  or  implying  the 
comforts  of  religion.  When  needed,  the  visitor  may 
remain  to  do  work  in  the  disarranged  home.  Two 
members  can  divide  the  watch  of  a  night  and  give 
relief  to  weary  members  of  a  household,  still  obtaining 
some  rest  for  themselves. 


15 


Educational  Campaigns. 

Have  the  Inner  Mission  Committee  conduct  an  edu- 
cational campaign,  to  present  the  work  of  all  Boards 
of  the  General  Synod.  It  may  be  carried  on  for 
catechetical  classes,  for  some  society,  or  for  the  con- 
gregation in  general.  The  educational  idea  is  to  re- 
ceive the  emphasis.  All  need  information.  Just  tell 
them.  Let  benevolent  contributions  come  v^hen  they 
will,  but  DO  NOT  KEEP  THE  PEOPLE  IN 
THE  DARK.  Let  individuals  IN  THE  CON- 
GREGATION, be  appointed,  who  will  study  the 
work  of  a  Board,  securing  information  as  needed, 
from  the  secretaries.  Let  those  individuals,  them- 
selves greatly  benefited  by  the  study,  present  the  topic 
as  best  they  can.  In  connection  with  the  presenta- 
tion, tracts  secured  from  the  Boards,  may  be  distrib- 
uted. Such  tracts  may  also  regularly  be  placed  in 
the  book  racks  of  pews,  to  be  read  by  early  arrivals  at 
Sunday  Service,  or  to  be  taken  home,  or  to  be  handed 
to  others. 


La^  Readers. 

Read  the  illuminating  report  on  this  subject  in  the 
Minutes  of  the  General  Synod  of  1915,  pages  1  79  to 
185.  In  accordance  with  that  report,  develop  the 
powers  of  public  expression  in  such  as  have  the  proper 
gift.  Begin  to  assign  such  for  assistance  at  public 
services,  reading  the  Scripture  lesson,  conducting  parts 

16 


of  the  liturgy  occasionally.  They  may  also  read  the 
committal  service  at  a  grave,  when  the  pastor  cannot 
be  present.  During  a  pastor's  absence  at  Synod  or  on 
a  vacation,  services  may  nevertheless  be  held.  Con- 
gregations where  regular  preaching  is  infrequent,  can 
have  meetings  conducted  by  approved  lay  workers. 
New  congregations  can  be  organized  through  their 
efforts.  Methodism  was  largely  spread  by  the  "local 
preacher."  Present  the  opp>ortimity  for  lay  help  in 
those  functions  which  are  too  often  accepted  as  ex- 
clusively "clerical."  Make  practical  our  grand 
Lutheran  doctrine  of  "the  UNIVERSAL  PRIEST- 
HOOD of  ALL  BELIEVERS."  It  can  be  done 
compatibly  with  good  order  and  dignity. 


17 


5.     MANY  MERE  HINTS. 

A.     Jrmer  Mission  in   the  congregation  generally. 

MTT  Keep  in  touch,  through  some  members'  corre- 
-^  spondence,  with  army  and  navy  men  who  are 
members  of  the  congregation,  but  away  from  home. 
If  you  are  within  reach  of  posts,  forts,  navy  yards, 
etc.,  arrjinge  for  an  interest  in  the  entire  force  there, 
and  especially  in  men  of  our  own  denomination.  Pre- 
vent their  religious  isolation.  Look  for  other  such 
groups  of  isolated  individuals  in  your  locality. 

^   Arrange   for  correspondence   with    children   and 
■^    others  who  were  in  the  parish,  but  are  now,  tem- 
porarily or  permanently,  away  at  an  institution  or  else- 
where. 

tflT  Have  MEMBERS  look  up  absentees  from  serv- 
■^  ices,  seeking  their  return.  Have  correspondence 
opened  with  those  who  have  moved  away,  so  that  they 
may  to  some  degree  become  associated  elsewhere. 
Prevent  the  loss  of  grace  begun. 

tfjT  The  choir  should  be  made  to  know  that  they  are 
^  ministers  of  holy  things  in  the  sanctuary.  A 
sanctified  esprit  du  corps  may  be  fostered  among  them. 
They  may  elect  officers  and  discuss  their  sacred  office. 
Processional  choirs  should  have  a  marshal  (to  form 
the  line  and  have  charge  of  the  procession),  keepers  of 
the  wardrobe,  librarians,  etc.  The  choir  may  have 
its   own   social   occasions,   etc. 

18 


#T[  Young  people  or  Sunday  School  classes  can  keep 
-"  the  service,  song,  and  library  books  in  repair  by 
reinforcing  them,  covering  them,  etc.  Architect's 
tracing  cloth  and  tough  paper,  together  with  library 
paste  and  liquid  glue,  prolong  the  life  of  the  books, 
and  make  for  a  feeling  of  proprietorship.  This  idea 
can  be  extended  to  other  things,  involving  personal 
labor. 


fl 


Appoint  members  whose  special  duty  it  shall  be 
to  welcome  worshipers,  both  members  and  strang- 
This  makes  the  church  "homelike." 


tfjl  Attack  the  problem  of  innocent  and  healthful 
-^  recreation  and  social  life  away  from  enervating 
or  contaminating  influences.  If  there  is  no  available 
gymnasium  in  your  neighborhood,  see  if  you  can  pro- 
vide one.  Maybe  there  is  space  about  your  property 
which  could  be  more  profitably  worked  in  and  used 
than  at  present.  Think  of  tennis  courts;  bowling 
alleys;  shower  baths;  rooms  for  social  gatherings, 
where  the  young  may  meet,  sexes  separately  and  at 
times  together,  under  the  proper  auspices;  baseball, 
football,  and  basketball  teams.  Phonographs  and 
moving  pictures  have  been  used  with  good  results; 
also  stereopticons,  with  rented  slides  illustrating  foreign 
lands,  the  Holy  Land,  etc.  In  general,  study  how  to 
provide  real  enjoyment  without  silliness.  Arrange 
that  all  these  things  shall  be  under  the  sympathetic 
supervision   of   older  members   who   understand  how 

19 


to  restrain  and  direct  the  younger  members,  without 
oppressing  them.  Workers  in  this  department  bridge 
over  much  misunderstanding  between  the  older  and 
younger  elements  of  the  congregation,  which  often 
results  in  the  loss  of  influence  with  youth.  Time  and 
personal  work  will  be  required.  Contact  with  youth 
will  keep  the  workers  young. 

#]T  Devise  practical  ways  of  inculcating  religious 
^  observances  in  the  home:  family  devotions, 
prayer  at  the  table,  religious  instruction  by  the  head 
of  the  home. 

#11    Cultivate    the   Inner    Mission    idea   of   Christian 
-^     kindliness  everywhere  in  life's  walk:  on  the  street, 
to  strangers,  to  railroad  employees,  to  shopkeepers  and 
their  help,  to  telephone  operators,  etc. 


^ 


Look  up  the  "Big  Brother"  movement,  and  the 
opportunities  it  provides. 


tfjT  Study  the  entire  organization  of  the  congregation, 
-^  as  to  its  societies.  Consider  the  value  of  a 
Woman's  Home  and  Foreign  Mission  Society,  and 
the  opportunities  to  spread  the  missionary  idea  through 
all  societies.  Think  of  the  value  of  a  Ladies*  Aid 
Society.  Investigate  the  ideas  of  a  Lutheran  Brother- 
hood; of  the  "Every  Member  Canvass."  Use  all 
societies  for  the  betterment  of  the  congregation  as  a 
whole,  for  the  improvement  of  church  attendances,  etc. 


20 


Keep  the  activities  of  all  societies  in  proper  co-opera- 
tion, without  too  much  overlapping  and  lost  energy. 
Stimulate  the  Church  Council's  personal  interest  in  the 
aims  of  them  all.  Let  all  make  interesting  reports 
at  congregational  meetings,  followed  by  discussion. 

J][  It  is  worth  while  to  have  regular  visitors  who  will 
•^  go  to  the  homes  of  those  couples  married  by  the 
pastor.  A  visit  within  a  month  or  so  of  the  mar- 
riage, may  help  to  bring  the  newly  formed  household 
into  the  class  of  religious  homes. 


^ 


The  clerical  work  incidental  to  a  congregation's 
activities  can  be  assigned  to  individuals,  who  will 
at  stated  times  enter  up  communion,  baptismal, 
funeral,  etc.,  records;  correct  addresses;  prepare  nec- 
essary lists  on  a  typewriter;  even  give  certain  hours  for 
work  as  a  secretary  to  the  pastor,  etc. 

JIT  Elncourage  among  the  members  the  spirit  which  is 
■^  looking  for  young  men  and  women  who  might 
enter  the  ministry.  Many  an  individual  has  been 
pointed  that  way  by  the  wise,  interested  suggestion  of 
a  church  member  who  was  not  a  pastor. 

tfjT  Some  men  are  sufficiently  interested  in  boys  and 
■^  young  men  to  plan  for  them  a  summer  camp  and 
to  accompany  them.  The  close  contact  of  that  life 
affords  such  men  wonderful  oppjortunities  for  real  help 
to  youth. 


21 


B.   Inner  Mission  among  the  sick,  '^e  poor,  children, 
etc. 

(Other  hints  applying  here  are  given  on  other  pages 
also.) 

tfjl    Send   the    pulpit    and    altar    flowers   to   the    sick 
^    with  a  written  or  printed  card  about  as  follows 

Altar  Flowers 
— Evangelical  Lutheran  Church  of — 


We  have  thought  of  you  in  the  Lord's  House 
where  are 

The  Beauty  of  Holiness   (His  Word) 
and  The  Fragrance  of  Prayer. 

^  Scripture  or  other  verses  cut  from  block  calen- 
-^  dars,  old  Bibles,  and  other  sources,  may  be 
folded  and  placed  in  papers  such  as  are  used  for 
medicine  powders.  Have  them  given  or  sent  to  the 
sick  as  "Comfort  Powders"  to  be  taken  "according  to 
directions."  Let  the  verses  be  carefully  selected. 
Similarly,  large  medicine  capsules  may  be  used. 

tfjT  Used  picture  cards  may  be  pasted,  writing  to  writ- 
-^  ing,  and  sent  to  sick  children;  possibly  to  grown- 
ups. The  task  of  preparing  these  will  give  work  to 
young  people,  who  will  be  delighted  to  serve.  The 
pictures  may  also  be  cut  up  into  puzzle  pieces. 

22 


^1[  Scrap  books  may  be  made  by  the  use  of  copy 
books,  covers  of  old  books,  etc.  Fill  them  with 
pictures.  If  these  have  been  selected  as  illustrating 
some  subject  of  travel,  science,  manufacture,  history, 
or  merely  selected  for  prettiness  or  whimsicality,  vari- 
ous ages  of  patients  will  find  them  to  be  blessings. 
They  may  be  filled  also  with  clippings  and  short  stor- 
ies, the  cream  of  scissors-editorship. 

Send  or  bring  to  the  sick  helpful,  cheerful  read- 
ing. Or  sunshine  bags,  containing  marked  pack- 
ages for  each  day  for  a  month,  or  for  each  holiday; 
a  toy  trunk  may  be  used  as  a  container.  (These  are 
helpful  for  those  long  ill.)  Or  small  pasteboard  fans 
with  Bible  verses  pasted  in  neat  arrangement  on  both 
sides;  also  fans  with  humorous  clippings.  Or  dain- 
ties, baskets  of  fruit,  magazines,  etc. 

#][   See  that  each  society  or  committee  is  represented 
-^    by  a  visit  and  perhaps  small  tokens,  when  any 
member  of  such  is  sick. 

tf|[  In  the  case  of  needy  families,  raise  funds  among 
-^  a  few  friends  for  the  payment  of  the  druggist's 
bill,  which  is  such  a  dislocation  to  the  family  finances. 
Thus  remove  worry  at  a  time  when  worry  is  so  harm- 
ful. 

^   Thanksgiving,  Christmas,  and  other  holidays  are 

-"    excellent    opportunities    for    service    among    the 

needy.       Send  baskets  of  provisions.        Young  folks 

23 


can  bring  surprise  by  giving  and  helping  to  decorate 
Christmas  trees  for  those  who  would  be  without  or 
nearly  so.  Give  Christmas  gifts  to  those  who  really 
need  them. 

^  Write  to  the  orphanages  of  our  Church  or  to  those 
■^  near  by,  asking  for  hints  as  to  articles  which  can 
be  made.  The  paper  dolls,  circuses,  gardens,  etc., 
which  appear  in  magazines  to  be  cut  out,  may  be  con- 
structed. Have  bean  bags  crocheted.  Day  nurser- 
ies may  also  be  helped  thus. 

tfjT  Write  to  our  own  Home  for  the  Aged  and  other 
-^  such  institutions  for  hints  as  to  articles  which  need 
to  be  supplied,  giving  an  estimate  as  to  how  much  you 
can  do.  Ability  will  increase  with  interest,  as  your 
work  and  the  number  of  its  friends  increase. 


^ 


Get   in    touch   wath   Lutheran   nurses.        Inspire 
them  to  work  in  their  calling  as  for  Jesus. 


MIT  Busy  housewives  who  often  cannot  attend  the 
sick  in  person,  can  put  up  jelly  in  very  small 
glasses.  Get  young  ladies  to  cover  berry  boxes  or 
very  small  baskets  with  attractive  paper,  and  place  a 
few  glasses  in  each,  for  the  sick. 

^  Sevsong  for  the  needy  is  a  large  opportunity.  A 
"^  Dorcas  Society  of  earnest  women  is  richly 
blessed.  Poor  families  are  generally  without  a  ma- 
chine. Do  work  for  tired  mothers  and  poorly  clad 
children;  make  bed-covering,  etc. 

24 


MTT  Forgotten  and  broken  toys  accumulate ;  these  can 
■^  be  gathered — then  mended  and  painted  by  mem- 
bers. They  can  be  given  where  they  will  delight. 
In  general,  level  surfeit  and  lack,  in  such  a  kindly  way 
as  to  convince  the  membership  that  the  brotherhood 
of  Christ  is  more  than  form. 

C.      Inner  Mission  in  the  Sunday  School. 

(Find  also  on  other  pages  that  which  may  be  specially 
applied  here.) 

tfjT    The  Inner  Mission  spirit  in  the  Sunday  School 
-^    should  emphasize,  not  perfection  and  success  of 
organization  or  of  numbers,  etc.,  but  rather  the  Christ 
spirit, — the  untechnical. 

#][  The  Nebraska  Synod  of  the  General  Synod  is 
•^  working  out,  through  its  Synodical  Sunday 
School  Secretary,  many  helpful  plans  for  the  develop- 
ment of  schools.  Write  for  the  pamphlets  issued,  to 
Rev.  C.  H.  B.  Levy^is,  Emerson,  Nebraska. 

JT[  Interest  individuals,  the  classes,  and  the  whole 
■^  school  in  benevolent  work  in  their  owm  commun- 
ity, as  well  as  in  the  objects  of  the  Church  in  general. 
Some  schools  and  classes  have,  for  instance,  helped 
day  nurseries  in  the  community,  undertaking  some 
definite  object  in  that  connection,  visiting  the  nursery, 
and  finding  work  there.  The  organized  class  furnishes 
a  convenient,    and  mostly  a  small   base   from  which 

25 


personal  interest  may  come  about.  Classes  in  one 
school  sent  contributions  to  certain  home  missions,  and 
supplied  needs  in  the  foreign  field.  Bibles  were  dis- 
tributed. Does  every  family  in  your  community  have 
a  Bible? 

JTT   See  that  new  scholars  are  welcomed  and  visited. 
-^    Let  this  be  the  special   business  of  certain   indi- 
viduals.     Members   of   classes,    as   well   as   teachers, 
should  visit  absentees. 

tf|[   By  all  means  have  a  teachers*  training  class  or- 

■^    ganized.      Write  for  information  to  Rev.  C.   P. 

Wiles,   D.D.,   Editor  Lutheran   Publication  Society. 

tfjT  Some    scholars    may    make    neat    and    beautiful 
-^   Christmas  tree  ornaments,  such  as  dainty  paper 
chains,  pictures  cut  out  and  mounted,  etc. 

MTT  Older  members  of  the  school  can  organize  new 
-^  Sunday  Schools  in  neighborhoods  where  they  arc 
needed.  This  may  mean  among  the  poor,  but  richer 
districts  are  sometimes  in  want  of  them.  Care  must 
be  taken  not  to  divide  fields  so  as  to  weaken  them. 
There  are  places  where  a  school  is  needed  for  the 
smaller  scholars  who  cannot  go  far  in  all  weathers 
and  dangers.  Such  junior  schools  are  gatherers  and 
feeders  to  more  remote,  larger  ones. 


^ 


Think  about  cradle  roll  workers  for  the  school. 
26 


D.  Inner  Mission  in  the  Young  People's  Societies. 
(Seek  on  other  pages  much  that  is  also  useful  here.) 

JTT  Tlie  societies  need  more  than  flourishing  organi- 
^  zational  success,  which  may  be  selfish;  even  more 
than  helpful  deeds  accomplished,  which  may  be  vain. 
There  is  needed  the  constant  motive  and  aim:  "For 
Jesus'  Sake." 

J][    Write    for    information    concerning    the    one-year 
Jl      trainbg  course  mentioned  on  page   1  I .      Speak 
to  those  who  might  take  it. 

J][  These  societies  must  give  diligent  care  to  the 
j1  newly  confirmed.  Every  member  of  every  class 
must  be  gained.  Plan  to  make  the  younger  feel  at 
home.  Let  the  older  ones  do  this  through  personal 
work,  and  not  through  resolutions  passed  or  invitations 
issued.  Induce  all  members  to  mingle  with  the 
younger  ones,  to  introduce  them  to  active  work,  and  to 
visit  them  when  absent.  This  will  be  an  encourage- 
ment to  overworked  visiting  committees. 

#][    Societies  should  be  developed  strongly  in  the  idea 
jI     of  service.      Every  member  has  been  "saved  to 
serve"  in  some  worthy  way. 

J][  TTiose  who  are  readers,  and  who  have  the  enthu- 
jl  siasm  with  the  gift  to  popularize  good  authors, 
can  open  a  great  field  for  intellectual  improvement. 
Have  gatherings  for  readings,  where  there  is  presen- 
tation and  discussion.  Have  readable  and  good  books 
pointed  out  for  all  ages;  help  to  avoid  inferior  ones. 
Readers  are  legion. 


#11  Lutheran  loyalty  can  be  fostered  and  maintained 
^  amoBg  high  school  and  college  students.  Such 
students  may  also  be  guided  to  use  the  Inner  Mission 
idea  and  spirit  in  their  schools,  to  be  Inner  Mission 
propagandists  there;  thus  they  can  aim  to  "haze"  the 
newcomer  with  kindness,  to  put  the  spirit  of  kindness 
in  the  school,  to  look  up  the  sick,  to  furnish  conveni- 
ences of  information,  etc.  Those  who  are  in  business 
houses  may  be  inspired  quietly  to  develop  the  same 
spirit  in  the  shop. 

Have  talks  or  conferences  on  business  pursuits  or 
trades,  professions,  etc.,  led  by  men  of  the  con- 
gregation in  those  callings,  arousing  interest  and  giving 
the  young  ideas  as  to  their  choice  of  life  work.  Phy- 
sicians can  give  talks  on  hygiene,  first  aid  to  the  in- 
jured, practical  nursing  of  invalids  and  children,  physi- 
ology, etc. 

M7[  In  some  congregations  there  are  enough  of  the 
^  younger  members  to  cover,  by  their  own  support, 
the  expenses  of  renting  a  parish  house. 

Mil    Boy  Scout  Troops  and  Boys'  Brigades,  organized 
jl    by    Christian    workers,    have    rep)orted    excellent 
results.   The  workers  benefit.    The  boys  learn  needed 
lessons.      Christian  influence  is  made  possible. 

MTj  Some  circle  may  find  a  joy  in  providing  comfort 
-^  bags  for  sailors  or  other  men  who  are  alone.  Let 
the  bags  contain  thread,  needles,  buttons,  scissors, 
Bible  or  Testament  (secure  same  from  American 
Bible  Society  for  this  purpose,  possibly  without  cost), 
an  unsigned  letter,  etc, 

28 


E.      Inner  Mission  in  the  Communitv  About   You. 
(Much  on  other  pages  may  be  widely  apphed  here.) 

tfjl  Let   the   idea   become   fixed    in   the   minds   of   all 
■^     members   that    a    congregation   is    not   a   pastor's 
field    of    Christian   work   but   his    force    for   Christian 
work  m  the  community. 

^T|  Church  members  moving  into  the  community 
■^  should  be  kept  from  drifting.  Appoint  those 
who  will  look  them  up  and  turn  them  towards  some 
church.  Others  should  be  charged  with  inviting  those 
to  church  who  have  never  been  asked. 

^T|    Study  these  questions  and  their  solution:      Do  the 
-*•    laboring  people   go    to  church?      Is  there   a   ne- 
glected foreign  element?      Are  there  children  of  such, 
and  do  they  go  to  Sunday  School  ? 

tflT    Are  there  students  attending  institutions  near  you  ? 
They  will  have  largest  influence  in  shaping  the 
future    of   the   country.         Devise   ways    of    reaching 
them. 

tflT    There   are  those  who  know  young  people  in  un- 
-^    churched  families  who  could  be  brought  into  the 
catechetical   class,   if  they   realized   how  blessed  that 
work  would  be.      Claim  such  help. 

tfjl    Workers  may  be  found  who  will  organize  night 
-^    classes  for  education  and  manual  training  in  the 
community. 

29 


#11  Institute  a  movement  for  a  more  beautiful  com- 
^  munity.  Start  annual  "Arbor  Day."  Interest 
persons  to  beautify  back  yards  by  gardening  away 
their  ugliness.  Prevent  vacant  lots  from  becoming 
dumps,  etc.  Form  a  union  among  young  and  old  to 
agitate  the  idea  of  keeping  streets  free  from  litter  and 
garbage.      Work   for  the  town  beautiful. 

tfjT  There  is  the  idea  of  a  day  nursery  for  working 
^  mothers.  With  some  paid  help,  and  Christian 
volunteer  help  in  rotating  shifts,  the  enterprise  need  not 
involve  very  great  expense.  A  small  or  moderate  fee 
will  be  gladly  paid  by  the  mothers.  It  will  be  a 
boon.      A   Kindergarten  could  be  connected  with  it. 

tfjl  Help  the  poor  of  the  community.  Orgauiize  sta- 
^  tions  where  used  garments,  mended  and  disin- 
fected, may  be  distributed.  It  is  sometimes  desirable 
to  charge  a  low  price  and  call  it  a  sale.  It  maintains 
self-respect.  Give  your  station  an  attractive  name. 
Other  things  than  clothing  may  be  continued  in  use- 
fulness. "It  is  a  pity  to  throw  it  away;  some  one 
could  use  that";  bring  it  to  your  station.  On  certain 
days  dispose  of  the  goods. 

J][  The  church  of  the  helping  hand,  "for  Jesus' 
^  sake,"  is  a  live  church  and  loved.  Close  cor- 
p>orations  languish. 

#11  Housewives  may  be  helped  by  domestic  science 
J*  meetings.  Some  have  little  opportunity  for  learn- 
ing. Make  for  presents,  and  to  be  read  at  meetings, 
scrap  books  containing  recipes,  directions,  household 
hints,  labor  saving  devices,  aids  in  emergencies,  etc. 


30 


#11    Have  mothers'   meetings  to  discuss  nursing  and 
Jl    child  care;   institute  a   "Better   Babies"   propa- 
ganda. 

JTI  Hospices.  A  movement  to  generalize  this  work 
Ji  is  desirable.  Fertile  fields  are  college  towns, 
manufacturing  centers,  large  cities  to  which  young 
people  go  to  work.  Truly  Christian  homes  are  thus 
established  for  those  who  long  for  them.  They  can 
be  made  nearly  self-supporting.  Should  be  available 
to  Lutheran  travellers,  who  would  prefer  them  to 
hotels.  Talents  of  a  man  and  wife  with  genius  for 
home  making  can  here  be  used.  The  German  "Her- 
berge  zu  Heimath"  shows  the  plan  to  be  feasible.  It 
will  receive  free  advertising  with  propriety  in  church 
papers,  Lutheran  Almanac,  etc.  The  movement  will 
gain  friends  when  advocated.  The  Board  of  Inner 
Mission  will  be  glad  to  offer  extended  suggestions  on 
inquiry. 

#11  Some  one  should  see  to  it  that  the  local  congre- 
^  gation  is  made  known  to  strangers  by  bulletin 
boards,  hotel  announcements,  railroad  station  notices,  etc. 
Announcements  need  not  be  sensational  advertising. 
You  have  what  the  community  most  needs — see  that 
they  get  it.  The  pastor  is  neither  omniscient  nor 
omnipresent.      Put  your  church  on  the  map. 


q 


Welcoming  strangers  at  trains  has  been  suggested 
and  pronounced  practical  service. 

Find  homes  for  homeless  children.      See  "Home 
Finding  Societies"  in  the  Lutheran  Almanac. 

31 


IMPORTANT. 

1 .  This  booklet  is  suggestive  in  one  direction  of 
Inner  Mission  development,  although  it  is  the  most 
important   one — namely,   congregational   development. 

2.  It  is  not  expected  that  any  suggestions  herein 
are  to  be  mechanically  imitated.  Individual  and  con- 
gregational lives  will  be  hindered  in  their  best  Chris- 
tian growth  through  mere  imitation  of  one  another. 
The  hope  of  the  booklet  is  to  reveal  practically  the 
Inner  Mission  idea,  and  to  inspire  devotion  thereto. 
May  every  congregation  work  out  that  idea,  under  the 
Holy  Spirit,  in  its  own  life.  There  are  literally  hun- 
dreds of  practical  forms  or  service  which  prayerful, 
loving  thought  can  devise  differently  in  each  congre- 
gation.     It  is  to  be  "All  for  Jesus'  sake." 


33 


':■:"<'•»',.  x^ 

1 

N 

'•i^^-'.- 

■^-yi::^<^ 

D 

''<^>-  ■'■  ■ 

SE 

RVI 
1 

CE 

■m. 

D 
U 

SS-- 

A 

■  'V  ■.  \  ■"■ 

L 

OUR  EMBLEM. 
"By  This    Sign   Conquer." 

All  know  the  story  of  Constantine  and 
the  legend  of  the  appearance  in  the 
heavens  the  day  he  fought  that  battle. 
That  was  but  a  legend;  but  One  who  it 
King  of  kings  said,  "And  I,  if  I  be  lifted 
up,  shall  draw  all  men  unto  me."  This 
is  the  keystone  of  Christianity.  The 
Cross  of  Christ  is  the  revelation  of  God's 
love,  the  power  of  Christ,  the  inspiration 
of  the  Christian,  and  the  consolation  of 
the  world. 
IHHtH    MISSION 

The   Board  of   Inner  Missions  has  chosen 
an    emblem    expressive    of    its    work    and 
aims.     Two    things    are    brought    out    distinctly.     The    perpen- 
dicular has  on  if  the  word  "INDIVIDUAL,"   and  the  transept 
the  word  "SERVICE" — also  the  words  "All  for  Jesus'  sake." 

Look  at  the  perpendicular  first.  The  symbolism  points  upward 
and  ever  upward.  The  individual  is  to  aspire  to  grow  like  a 
tree  "planted  by  the  rivers  of  waters" — to  "grow  in  grace  and 
in  the  knowledge  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ."  "Where  is  the 
limit?  There  is  no  hmit!  Wherever  we  have  His  Hfe,  He 
gives  it  "more  abundantly."  Here  we  have  an  unbroken  order 
of  growth  and  progression — all  for  Jesus'  sake.  There  are 
systems  of  the  world  that  belittle  the  individual,  restrict  his 
growth,   and   stunt  his   personality — not   so    the   Cross. 

But  there  is  the  transept  or  crosspiecel  Our  allegiance  to 
heaven  creates  higher  devotion  to  man  for  Jesus'  sake — for  this 
earth  and  its   children  are  the  objects  of  God's  love. 


35 


The  upright  alone  is  nothing  more  than  a  big  letter  "I" — the 
embodiment  of  selfishness,  the  badge  of  egotism,  the  banner  of 
personal  vanity!  But  as  some  one  has  said,  "Jesus  puts  the 
crosspiece  of  sacrifice  to  all  things  personal,"  and  thus  the 
letter  "I"  is  changed  into  the  cross.  If  the  upright  is  the 
answer  to  the  first  injunction,  "Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy 
God  with  all  thy  heart,  mind  and  strength,"  then  the  transept 
is  the  explanation  of  the  second  part  "and  thy  neighbor  as 
thyself."  We  should  love  our  neighbor  for  Jesus'  sake.  How 
far  is  that  to  extend?  It  is  like  the  upright,  without  restric- 
tion. 

Wherever  there  is  a  human  being  THERE  the  Christian  has 
a  NEIGHBOR.  The  world  is  the  Christian's  neighborhood. 
For  what  is  the  world  but  your  street — the  city  or  village  you 
live    in    "writ    large." 

We  must  never  forget  that  Christ  combined  the  two.  As  the 
upright  rises,  the  transept  must  extend  or  the  proportions  fail. 
There  must  not  only  be  the  upright  with  its  uplift  to  all  aspira- 
tions of  body,  mind  and  soul,  but  the  crosspiece  of  service  and 
responsibilily;  to  my  neighbor  who  is  a  part  of  society;  and 
society  sorely  needs  Him!  For  this  Christ  is  the  SOLUTION 
of  all  this  crazy  old  world's  troubles,  as  well  as  the  troubles 
that  were  YOURS   till  you  knew  HIM! 


36 


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